At the time of Cortese's exit, top Grimm advisor Guy Molinari said the departure was not a sign of a campaign in distress.

"It wasn't like there was a blowup," Molinari said in May. "He was looking to move on. He had another opportunity. It was with our blessing."

The Daily News reports that Cortese left because Grimm, who had trouble raising money following his 20-count indictment in April, could not afford to pay a full-time campaign manager.

Cortese, a military veteran who spent six years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, was previously a senior associate at Mercury Public Affairs, and is a former regional political director for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

"I am thrilled to have Bill Cortese join my team as campaign manager," Tobin said in a statement. "His experience, focus and Marine Corps 'can do' attitude will be a huge asset to our campaign. We are lucky to have him aboard."